Safety management for cable cars and monorails will be strengthened. The duration of business permits will be limited to a maximum of 20 years, and a reauthorization system will be introduced.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 17th that the revised 'Enforcement Decree of the Rail Transport Act' and 'Enforcement Rules of the Rail Transport Act,' approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 8th, will take effect on the 18th.
According to the revised Rail Transport Act, the validity period for rail business permits will now be limited to within 20 years. Previously, businesses could operate indefinitely once they received a permit.
Operators must apply for reauthorization to the local government between two years and one year before the permit expires. Local governments will comprehensively consider the purpose and type of operation, operational plans, funding methods, and annual transport volume to determine the duration of the permit or reauthorization.
In particular, aging rail facilities that have been in operation for a long time will undergo safety and operational performance reviews during the reauthorization process, allowing for more regular management and oversight than before.
Safety management standards will also be enhanced. Rail operators must establish a safety management plan that includes inspection and maintenance plans, personnel management, and emergency manuals. If there are changes or supplements to the plan, they must be submitted to the local government within 30 days.
Local governments will review the adequacy of the safety management plans and can order improvements or corrective actions for any deficiencies. If an operator fails to establish a safety management plan or does not comply with corrective orders, they may face business suspensions of 10, 30, or 60 days, or even cancellation of permits or approvals, depending on the number of violations.
The reauthorization review process will also consider safety inspection results, user safety, and the adequacy of operational performance. Operators must also submit plans related to environmental conservation and public welfare enhancement.
Cho Sung-kyun, Director of Railway Safety Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "Until now, rail facilities have been managed and supervised at the discretion of operators after the initial business permit was granted, making oversight difficult. We expect that the amendments to the rail transport regulations will enhance the safety, environmental sustainability, and public welfare contributions of rail businesses, thereby strengthening the management and oversight of these operations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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